Date of Defense

4-23-2026

Date of Graduation

5-2026

Department

Physician Assistant

First Advisor

Dawn Smith

Second Advisor

Dave Paul

Third Advisor

Jessica Runyan

Keywords

COVID-19, vaccination mandates, public health ethics, autonomy, beneficence, utilitarianism, vaccine hesitancy, public trust, health policy

Abstract

COVID-19 vaccination mandates have emerged as a central and controversial strategy in managing the global pandemic, raising significant ethical questions about the balance between individual autonomy and collective public health goals. This literature review examines the primary ethical dilemmas associated with COVID-19 vaccination mandates and evaluates how these dilemmas impact both personal decision-making and population-level health outcomes. Drawing on peer-reviewed literature from biomedical, public health, and ethical scholarship, this review synthesizes key frameworks including autonomy, beneficence, nonmaleficence, and utilitarianism, alongside empirical evidence on vaccine effectiveness, safety, and mandate outcomes.

The findings reveal persistent tensions between respecting individual bodily integrity and promoting harm reduction through increased vaccination coverage. Additionally, the literature highlights the critical roles of public trust, transparent communication, and equitable access in determining both the effectiveness and ethical legitimacy of vaccination policies. Misinformation and political polarization further complicate these dynamics by shaping public perception and compliance. This review concludes that COVID-19 vaccination mandates may be ethically justified under conditions of proportionality, necessity, and equity, but should be implemented cautiously and in conjunction with strategies that address structural barriers and foster public trust. The findings underscore the importance of integrating ethical reasoning with empirical evidence and social context in the development of future public health interventions.

Access Setting

Honors Thesis-Restricted

Restricted to Campus until

12-9-2026

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Available for download on Wednesday, December 09, 2026

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